Morris Erick Latt, age 84, of Dassel, died Thursday, July 19, 2012, at his home.

He was born Aug. 18, 1927, in Willmar, the son of Erick and Emily (Lundin) Latt. The family moved to the Dassel area when Morris was a young child and he grew up helping with the farm chores.

Morris was a member of the Evangelical Covenant Church in Dassel, where he attended worship and Bible study faithfully. He also served as church chairman.

In 1945, Morris graduated from the Dassel High School.

He was inducted into the United States Army Air Corps Nov. 28, 1945, and served until Nov. 27, 1948, as a control tower operator.

Morris was united in marriage to Janet Sundell June 14, 1952, at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Dassel. They had just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in June.

The couple made their home on a farm just south of Dassel, where they raised and taught their children the Christian values that they believed in.

Morris loved his Lord, his family, and hard work. He loved farming and enjoyed spending time in the fields with his children, taking care of God’s bounty. He partnered with his son, Dan, for almost 40 years on the family farm.

Morris’ family was the most important thing in his life and he made time for all of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was faithful in attending his children’s sporting events, and continued this support by attending his grandchildren’s extracurricular activities, as well.

His care for community showed through his 24 years on the local school board. During that time, he was instrumental in the planning and implementation of the consolidation of the Dassel and Cokato school districts, and construction of the DC High School. He also drove school bus in the district for many years.

Morris cherished time with his children while ice fishing, and continued to clean fish for his grandchildren through last winter. He enjoyed morning coffee time with his friends at the local coffee shop, talking farming and news.

He will be remembered for his kind heart and willingness to help anyone. Morris always had time for family, friends, and a stranger, and he will be deeply missed by his family and his many friends.

Morris is survived by his wife, Janet; children, Mark (Trudy) Latt of Dassel, Barbara Latt of San Diego, CA, Daniel (Karen) Latt of Dassel, David (Barbara) Latt of Hastings, and Joseph and (Rachel) Latt of Dassel; 14 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his son, Paul; his parents; and a sister, Dorothy Latt.

A memorial service took place Wednesday, July 25 at 2 p.m. at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Dassel with the Rev. Keith Carlson officiating. Interment of the urn followed at the Dassel Community Cemetery.

There was a time to gather with the family Tuesday, July 24, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Dassel; continuing Wednesday with a one-hour gathering prior to the service at the church.

Memorial arrangements were handled by the Johnson Funeral Home in Dassel.